Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava

A 30-year-long war between opposing factions of two villages: Kommaddi led by Narappa Reddy (Naga Babu), and Nallagudi led by Basi Reddy (Jagapati Babu), has been affecting the lives of people from both parties. Narappa Reddy's son Veera Raghava Reddy (Jr. NTR), who was in London for 12 years, returns to the village. On his way home, he ends up losing his father in an attack by the opposition, following which he undergoes a violent transformation. He participates in the fight, kills Basi Reddy's men and stabs the latter himself. However, realizing that violence might not be the ultimate solution, he decides to leave for Hyderabad, hoping that the fights will reduce as the opposition will not have anyone to fight with. He goes to Hyderabad, befriends Neelambari (Sunil), and circumstances force him into living with Aravinda's (Pooja Hegde) family. Aravinda influences his beliefs and thought system. Meanwhile, Basi Reddy is found alive, and orders his gang headed by Bala Reddy (Naveen Chandra) to chase Veera Raghava.

In the meanwhile, Veera Raghava helps Aravinda's younger brother in writing a story about violence, which is inspired by his own life. The story is praised and eventually gets published, and Basi Reddy orders his henchmen to kidnap Aravinda's brother from his school, once a copy of the story lands in his hands and he realizes it to be similar to the life of Veera Raghava. The henchmen attempt to kidnap Aravinda's brother but are stopped by Veera Raghava who fights them off while making sure no one gets killed. He eventually learns from one of the goons that Basi Reddy is alive. Soon, Aravinda is kidnapped by Bala Reddy but rescued by Veera Raghava whose threatens him on phone. Later, he explains his past to Aravinda and leaves for his village. Aravinda is intrigued and accompanied by Neelambari to Veera Raghava's village. They film a documentary about people affected by the village feud, while Veera Raghava attends a meeting with Bala Reddy and some ministers. He tries to convince them to stop fighting, but eventually fights off the henchmen when Basi Reddy's son refuses to comply. Veera Raghava manages to emotionally convince him for the peace treaty, following which Basi Reddy kills Bala Reddy. Aravinda and Neelambari, who were staying at Basi Reddy's house since their car broke down, learn his truth and are held captive.

Veera Raghava is contacted by Basi Reddy who calls him to an open field. Basi Reddy slashes Aravinda's arm, stabs Neelambari and attempts to fight Veera Raghava who keeps dodging in an attempt to not start another fight. Basi Reddy tells him he killed Bala Reddy and now no one would stand for peace but is shocked when his own henchmen, who have had a change of heart listening to Veera Raghava's words, take Aravinda and Neelambari to the hospital despite being threatened. Enraged by the death of Bala Reddy who was his only ray of hope, Veera Raghava slashes Basi Reddy's abdomen and sets him on fire so that no one can learn about his death. Veera Raghava confesses to Basi Reddy's wife that he has killed Basi Reddy. The latter who is heartbroken at her own son's death at her husband's hand washes the weapon and takes Veera Raghava to the scene where the village is after each other's blood. She files a complaint that her husband killed her son, thereby ending the fight in the village. Veera Raghava nominates her for the MLA position and she wins without opposition.

The soundtrack album of Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava features four songs composed by S. Thaman, with one song being added in the extended soundtrack of the film.[11] The audio rights were of the film were purchased by Zee Music Company. Lyrics for the songs were written by Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, Ramajogayya Sastry and Penchal Das. Initially, the makers planned to release the full audio album directly into the market, without hosting any audio launch event for the film.[12]

The complete soundtrack album is scheduled to be unveiled on mid-September, without launching any singles from the film. However, the lyric video of the first single track titled "Anaganaganaga" was released on 15 September 2018 and the song was unveiled in all streaming platforms the same day.[13] On 18 September 2018, the makers unveiled the second single track titled "Penivitti" sung by Kaala Bhairava, which was termed as an intense, raw, rustic number.[14]

The tracklist was unveiled on 19 September 2018, and the complete soundtrack album was unveiled the following day, on 20 September 2018.[15] The makers released the lyric videos and the promos of the songs before the film's release.

S. Thaman's work received praise from critics. Neetishta Nyayapati from The Times of India, stated it as "Despite featuring only four numbers, the jukebox of Aravindha Sametha sets itself apart with its authenticity. However, while the earthiness of the theme comes through the vocals and lyrics, it’s missing in Thaman’s music. Give this one a chance this weekend; you might just end up falling in love with the Seema dialect."[16] 123Telugu reviewed it as, "There was a lot of expectation from Thaman as he was teaming up with Trivikram for the first time. But looks like the ace composer has given importance to the emotions in the film rather than churning out commercial numbers. Peniviti and Anaganaganaga will be chartbusters and are our picks. Finally, the album of Aravinda Sametha is not your regular song and dance album and has been composed to gel with the narrative. It will grow on you slowly after watching the film on the big screen."[17] Indiaglitz rated 3 out of 5 stars, and summarised it as "With just four songs, the album features two mood-based and two generic numbers."[18] Cinejosh summarised it as "All in all, Aravinda Sametha weaves out a melodious album fitting in all the elements for an NTR and Trivikram combo film!"[19]

The first look and motion poster of the film was released on 19 May 2018, during the eve of NTR's birthday, revealing the title of the film as Aravinda Sametha.[21] The film's first look features Jr. NTR in a chiseled avatar. NTR worked out extensively with international trainer Lloyd Stevens for his new look for the film.[22] Also S. Thaman's background music in the motion poster was appreciated by fans.[23] A new poster was released on 13 August 2018, revealing the teaser release date. The poster features NTR in an unseen still. The teaser of the film was unveiled on 15 August 2018, to great response. The 52-second teaser is full of mind-boggling action sequences.[24] The teaser crossed 1.5 million views in an hour, and 3 million views in 3 hours.[25][26] As of 17 August 2018, the teaser crossed 9 million views.[27]

The promotions of the film were commence on 10 September 2018.[28] A new poster was released on the eve of Ganesh Chathurthi on 12 September 2018.[15] A single track titled "Anaganaganaga" sung by Armaan Malik and written by Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry was released on 15 September 2018. The song is expected to release at 4:05 p.m, but the song was released at 4:36 p.m. due to some technical error.[13] The romantic, fun number has the typical Thaman mark when it comes to its music, with his drums. While sounding plain okay on the first listen, the number grows on the listener upon repeated hearings.

The second single track "Penivitti" was released on 18 September 2018. Sung by Kaala Bhairava with lyrics written by Ramajogayya Sastry, this song is termed as an intense, raw and rustic number. This song was well received by audience, and its lyrical video of the film crossed 2 million views upon its release.[14] On 24 September 2018, the makers unveiled the working stills of the film.[29] The lyrical video of Yeda Poyinadu was released on 25 September 2018. Upon its release, the lyrical video gained 1 million views and became trending at #3 in YouTube.[30] About the song, the makers revealed that "Yeda Poyinado will be a surprise package in the film. It has been picturised really well. You must experience along with the situation of the film on the big screen"[31]

On 27 September 2018, just fourteen days before the release, the makers unveiled four posters on social media.[32] The lyric video of "Reddy Ikkada Soodu" was released on 29 September 2018.[33] A grand pre-release event was held on 2 October 2018, at H.I.C.C. Novotel hotel in Hyderabad, where the makers also launched the theatrical trailer of the film.[34] Upon its release, the trailer crossed 4.7 million views within 24 hours and was Trending at #1 in YouTube.[35] The trailer received predominantly positive response from all corners.[36]

A behind-the-scenes making video of the film was released on 4 October 2018.[37] The same day, the makers released a promo of the song "Anaganaganaga" on YouTube.[38] New posters from the film were released every day which were circulated on social media.[39] The song promo of "Penivitti" was released on 6 October 2018. The makers unveiled the promo of "Reddy Ikkada Soodu" on 9 October 2018.[40] Post-release, the makers unveiled the bonus track titled "Reddamma Thalli" on 16 October 2018.

The Times of India gave 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "A emotional drama camouflaged in a commercial exterior, here's a film that's courageous to stand apart from slapstick madness. Trivikram's treatment of this plot scores over his indulgence as Jr NTR delivers another fine performance".[41]

India Today gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava is a commercial actioner backed by Trivikram's engaging script and Jr NTR's excellent performance. After the debacle of Pawan Kalyan-starrer Agnyaathavaasi, director Trivikram Srinivas has bounced back with Jr NTR's Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava".[42]

News18 gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Jr NTR Elevates Tried, Tested Story of Factionalism".[43]

Hindustan Times gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Jr NTR is the torchbearer of peace in a film on factionalism".[44]

IndiaGlitz gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "'Aravindha Sametha' has a monolithic subtext that makes the proceedings look sluggish. The last 30 minutes are a treat. NTR delivers one of his top five best performances ever. Technically superior, the film has some thought-provoking dialogues, Trivikram-style".[45]

Great Andhra gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "“Aravindha Sametha” is an old faction story that relies more on performances of NTR Jr and Jagapathi Babu and other actors. This is intense story with uneven screenplay. But it is worth a watch for NTR and the final sequences".[46]

Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava on IMDb